Pet Parenting Articles

Black Friday Pet Store Etiquette

As we all get ready for Thanksgiving next week, we are looking forward to the relaxation and feast ahead. Hopefully, you’ve planned some fun for your pets as well. I’m looking forward to celebrating with Emma for the first time ever. After all, she has added so much to my life in the last 8 months and definitely reminded me to count my blessings. It will be great for both of us to rest.

However, in the back of my mind, I know the rest will only prepare me for the next day’s 3 a.m. alarm clock and race to the stores. Black Friday is a fun tradition for all the ladies in my family. After we clean up the kitchen from our meal, we re-cover the table in all the coupons and flyers we can find to scout out the best deals. Sometimes we divide and conquer to attempt and cover the most grounds, but sometimes we stay together to enjoy the memories. One thing is sure, around noon we are usually dead on our feet and ready to stuff our bellies full of leftovers before a nap.

Sometimes on our visit I notice other doggies who aren’t quite sure how to behave. So here are a few tips I employ to help Emma mind her manners.

1. Give her a ride.

Instead of having her running down the aisle ahead of me, I always put her in the shopping cart. She can still see all the sights and smell all the different aromas but I can keep her safe and ensure she doesn’t go sprinting down the store to explore the pretty packages on her own. Don’t get me wrong, when we get to the toy aisle, I’ll get her out and let her pick out the new play thing of her choice.

2. Keep her attention.

I always have a Lickety Stik in my purse – does anyone else’s handbag turn into a diaper bag of sorts for a pet? If I feel Emma is too distracted by everything going on in the store, I can always reach in my bag to find her favorite treat. She instantly refocuses on me and will listen to my request for a lick.

3. Make the trips quick.

I always have a list of what I need and can navigate the store pretty easily, especially with Emma in the cart. That way she doesn’t get too tired or frustrated by the trip but it’s a quick and fun experience for both of us. When I leave the pet store after a fun and productive trip with Emma, I always find myself wishing she could go with me on all my errands.

What about you? Do you have any Black Friday shopping traditions? Have you ever taken your pet out in the madness? Let us know in the comment section below.

ABOUT NATALIE

As the PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist, Natalie manages The Paw Print blog and generates other brand related content including public relations and promotions. Before PetSafe, Natalie worked in the local media covering politics, education, and religion. Natalie’s puppy, Emma, spends almost as much time in the office as she does.